Tesla is facing growing backlash, with protests and vandalism targeting the brand. The recent controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE (Dogecoin) and its political implications has led some long-time Tesla owners to part ways with their electric vehicles (EVs). Business Insider spoke with four Tesla owners who have decided to sell their cars, explaining the reasons behind their decisions.
For these owners, Musk’s work with DOGE and the fear of harassment were the key factors motivating their choice to sell. While the electric vehicle market continues to grow, Tesla’s reputation appears to be at a crossroads. However, despite the backlash, Tesla has gained a new supporter: former President Donald Trump, who recently expressed his intention to buy a Tesla to show support for Musk.
Rising Backlash Against Tesla and Elon Musk
Among those speaking out is Scott Oran, a real estate developer from Boston. Oran explained that he sold his 2018 Tesla Model 3 because the car no longer aligned with his personal values. “I was embarrassed to be seen driving it,” Oran shared. Initially attracted to the vehicle for its environmental credentials and Tesla’s promises to address climate change, Oran said that despite the car being a “very good car,” Musk’s political activities, particularly his role with DOGE, pushed him to sell.
Oran viewed the sale as a form of protest against Musk’s involvement with DOGE. “Musk was not elected, and he’s dismantling our American government,” he said. “He’s illegally firing federal workers, spreading conspiracy theories, and empowering extremists.” Oran emphasized that his decision was a way to reject Musk’s actions and send a message that his behavior was not representative of American democracy.
Fear of Harassment Influences Decision to Sell
For other Tesla owners, the fear of being harassed due to the car’s association with Musk and his political views also played a significant role in their decision to sell. One owner, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed that after dealing with incidents such as being brake-checked or encountering rolling roadblocks on the road, he decided to sell his Model 3 Performance variant.
“I have a newborn baby, and even though I know I could defend myself while driving, I don’t feel comfortable having my son in the car while dealing with harassment,” the owner said. The harassment they experienced led to a firm decision to sell their Tesla and avoid further conflicts on the road.
Oran shared that while he hadn’t experienced any direct backlash, he had witnessed other Tesla drivers being heckled during a peaceful protest at a Boston dealership. He said, “I imagined myself being in that situation, and I just wouldn’t want to have that happen.”
Tesla Faces Growing Competition from Rivals
While Tesla’s challenges continue to grow, its competitors are seizing the opportunity to attract customers who are dissatisfied with the brand. A third former Tesla owner spoke about their decision to switch from a Model Y to a Polestar 3. “The build quality is fantastic, it drives much better than a Tesla, and the interior feels like a real car, not a cheap toy,” they said. Tesla’s rivals are aggressively targeting former Tesla customers, with Polestar, in particular, drawing attention for its superior performance and design.
Oran, who sold his Tesla for about $18,000 and now drives a Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, noted that although Tesla helped establish the electric vehicle market, the increasing availability of quality alternatives made it easier for him to switch brands. “There are now a number of really good alternatives,” he said.
Concerns Over Declining Resale Values
Some former Tesla owners are also worried about the future resale value of their vehicles due to the growing controversy surrounding Musk’s actions. One former owner, who traded in their 2018 Model 3 for $17,000 and now drives a Genesis EV, said their decision to sell was influenced by concerns that the car’s value might further decline because of Musk’s behavior. “I wasn’t offended enough by his political behavior to sell the car, but I didn’t want the value of my car to be tied to his political behavior,” the owner explained.
With the used-car market flooded with pre-owned Model 3s and Ys, resale values have been dropping in recent years. As more Tesla owners decide to part ways with their vehicles, the impact on the brand’s future remains uncertain. Despite this, the electric vehicle market continues to grow, and Tesla’s competitors are positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunity.
